Fences are a great way to add security and aesthetics to your property. A fence is only as good, however, as the materials that it’s made from.
I live in a neighborhood where everyone has pretty much the same style and look of fence so it got me thinking about different materials, specifically landscape timbers.
Landscape timbers are already a popular choice for gardens, terracing, and other applications thanks to their sturdiness and durability…so why not use them for fence posts?
Can You Use Landscape Timbers For Fence Posts?
While you can use landscape timbers for fence posts, they are not the most ideal choice. Most landscape timers aren’t treated enough to withstand being buried or exposure to the elements for long periods of time.
People that have tried reported mixed results. Some said that they didn’t experience deterioration any worse than posts meant for fencing, but the vast majority of landscape timbers used as fence posts ended up rotting under the ground or not withstanding strong winds.
If you’re dead set on using landscape timbers for your fence, we recommend you use them only around the base of the post and capping with pressure treated wood or metal to keep it from deteriorating faster than intended.
For some, landscape timbers may be worth the gamble…they are roughly the same size as fence posts but cost less than half as much. But the risk comes in if they keep rotting out and need replacing after a few years rather than lasting decades.
If you are currently replacing a fence and are wondering if you could reuse those old fence boards in other ways, I wrote an article exploring some other uses for fence boards, check it out over here.
How Long Will Landscape Timbers Last In The Ground?
On average, a landscape timber will only last two to three years when buried in the ground. You can extend the life of your landscape timbers by coating them with a water sealant or exterior paint, which will help protect from moisture damage.
But if you want to ensure that they last as long as possible underground, it’s best to switch out for pressure treated wood instead…which are meant to be buried and will last for decades in the ground.
If you’re going to go with landscape timbers, the professionals recommend a minimum of three inches covered by soil or gravel…but even then it may only extend the life expectancy from two-to-three years to four-to-five before rotting out completely.
What Is The Best Timber For Fence Posts?
In general, the best timber for fence posts will be any pressure treated wood. It holds up better to moisture, resist rot and insects, and last longer in the ground, which is why they’re used by professionals even if it means spending extra money upfront.
A word of caution though…timbers can be treated with hazardous chemicals so make sure you read the label and follow all safety precautions before using it in your fence or around kids and pets…or consider opting for naturally rot-resistant wood like cedar instead, if that’s an option for you.
If you have old timber that you plan to throw in the fire pit, make sure that they have not been treated since the chemicals and fumes can be dangerous to inhale.
When using landscape timbers as posts, I recommend making sure they are at least three inches underground but it’s even better if you plan to cap them with pressure treated wood or metal to make sure they can withstand the elements and last as long as possible.
How Do You Anchor 4×4 Landscape Timbers?
To anchor landscape timbers, consider using metal fence posts and T-posts. The extra reinforcement can help keep your posts from cracking or breaking so easily plus they’ll hold up better in the ground.
To get the pickets or posts in the ground, you can dig holes and place them inside, use a mallet and drive them in or, better yet, use a post driver to attach the wood firmly in place.
For post drivers you can go manual and use an MTB Fence Post Driver or get fancier and use a gas model, like a JACKCHEN Gas Powered T Post Driver. Most people can get by just fine with a manual model…cause honelty, how often will you need to use it. But if you have several acres to cover or plan to install many fences then you may want to consider a gas model.
As for how much space between posts, fence experts recommend about three feet…but if you’re using landscape timbers as your pickets, then follow their dimensions and spacing accordingly so that it looks uniform with the rest of your fencing.
Why Should I Use A Rubber Mallet To Hammer Landscape Timbers Into Soil?
In general, using a rubber mallet will help prevent your posts from cracking or splitting when hammering them into the ground. If using a standard hammer, use a piece of scrap wood as a buffer to take the brunt of the hit and distribute the force evenly.
If you have the budget, use a post hole digger to make the process easier. Then just drop the timber into the hole and fill in around it. This is a better option than digging out the dirt and then trying to hold it together while you hammer or tamp your post into place.
If you don’t have any of these options available, make sure that you pack the soil around and under your posts as tightly as possible…just be careful not to hit too hard with the mallet so that you don’t split the wood.
Professionals recommend that you use a sledgehammer instead of a rubber mallet to ensure your posts are put in securely and won’t shift or break over time…but if you’re just trying to save money, then go with what works for you.
Final Thoughts
Landscape timbers are a great option for fence posts because they’re durable, affordable, and easy to work with. They can be installed manually or by using power tools like a gas powered post driver that will help you install your landscape timbers more quickly.
When installing timber pickets, use about 3 feet of distance between each one…or follow the dimensions on the wood itself depending on what type of fencing system you plan to create. If all else fails and installation seems tricky then consider getting some professional advice.
With this information, you should be able to determine if landscape timbers are a good option for your fencing needs. You can also research DIY options that will help save money while still getting the results you want.
If all else fails and installation seems tricky then consider getting some professional advice…you’ll find out what other people have done in similar situations and get the help you need to make your fencing dreams come true.